Canada’s new passport requirements come into effect in late September, forcing Canadians with dual citizenship to carry a valid Canadian passport to enter the country when travelling by air.

Canada’s new passport requirements - extended leniency to Nov 9

Update - Wednesday, Sept 21

Canada’s new passport requirements that were slated to come into effect in late September have been extended to Nov 9. This change will require Canadians with dual citizenship to carry a valid Canadian passport to enter the country when travelling by air.

“In consultation with airline partners, we’re taking further steps to minimize any travel disruptions,” said John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “We are extending the leniency period and doing another major information blitz in Canada and abroad to encourage affected travellers, including dual Canadian citizens, to plan ahead and get the necessary travel documents before they book a flight to Canada.”

Starting Nov 10, all air travellers must have the appropriate documents to travel to Canada before boarding their departing flight.

“A valid Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document that provides proof that you are a citizen and have the right to enter Canada without being subjected to immigration screening,” reads a statement posted on the Canadian government website.

Prior to the change, Canadians who hold dual citizenship were able to enter Canada with their foreign passports and use a driver’s license or citizenship card to prove Canadian citizenship. Now, air travellers must have either a valid Canadian passport; a Canadian temporary passport; or a Canadian emergency travel document for proof of citizenship.

The new requirements only currently apply to air travel watch this video to learn more

American citizens and American-Canadian citizens can still fly into Canada on a valid U.S. passport.